Where Art Deco Streets, Vineyards & Long Lunches Set the Rhythm
 
Hawke’s Bay is a region that knows how to host. Sunlit plains stretch between low hills and the sea, vineyards sit comfortably beside orchards and farmland, and towns feel purposeful rather than performative. Dapper by design, Napier leads the way – from Art Deco streets and Marine Parade strolls to cafés, markets and a waterfront shaped more by light than by urgency.
 
If you’re searching for the things to do in Napier, you’ll find experiences that unfold at an easy, social pace. Wander heritage streets, climb to coastal lookouts, browse local galleries, or settle into long lunches that blur naturally into afternoon tastings. Nearby Hastings and the wider bay add depth through food-growing country, cellar doors and relaxed cycling trails that link town to vineyard without fuss.
 
Beyond the cities, Hawke’s Bay opens further – to beaches shaped by wind and light, to hot pools tucked into the hills, and to landscapes that feel generous rather than dramatic. The appeal isn’t in stacking highlights, but in allowing one good experience to lead effortlessly to the next.
 
This is your essential Hawke’s Bay guide – highlighting the best things to do in Napier and beyond, so you can experience a region that’s warm, grounded and quietly celebratory, without ever needing to raise its voice.